Punjab budget focuses on relief, growth

June 16, 2026 (MLN): The Punjab government has formally approved its budget for the fiscal year 2026–27 following the 35th meeting of the provincial cabinet held on Tuesday.

The budget document received cabinet endorsement after detailed deliberations, with the chief executive of the province expressing gratitude for presenting the third annual financial plan under her leadership, according to APP.

She acknowledged the contributions of the senior leadership and key officials involved in its preparation, including Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Finance Secretary Mujahid Sherdil, and the broader administrative team.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the provincial government had attempted to design a relief-oriented budget despite prevailing economic pressures and global uncertainties.

She noted that significant fiscal commitments to the federal government had also been accommodated, while efforts were made to protect public welfare priorities.

The chief minister highlighted that no new taxes had been introduced in the FY2026–27 budget, describing it as a development-focused and citizen-friendly financial plan built around provincial resources.

She termed it a “budget of hope,” aimed at easing financial pressure on households while promoting growth and development.

She also directed the Punjab Revenue Authority to adopt stronger measures for improving revenue collection and expanding the province’s fiscal space, emphasizing the need for greater efficiency and sustainability in income generation.

Concluding the meeting, she commended the cabinet and administrative teams for their coordinated efforts, expressing confidence that the budget would align with public expectations and continue the province’s development trajectory.

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